As part of the implementation of Support Action 7 “Identification of bioeconomy research infrastructures at regional level” of the Andalusian ROBIN Action Plan, CAP and IFA technicians visited the infrastructures of the IFAPA Mengíbar Centre (Jaén, Andalusia-Spain), on the 5^th June.

The aim was to get to know, on the spot and in a more practical way, the bioeconomy research infrastructures and the activities for the valorisation of by-products from olive groves and olive oil mills in general. In particular, a visit was made to the gasification plant, which produces biochar, syngas and electricity from these by-products and olive mill waste. Currently, the gasification plant works with  extracted and pelletised orujillo.  Potentially, any biomass can be used as long as it does not have a moisture content higher than 20-25%, such as almond shells, pistachios, pruning residues, vineyard and winery by-products, sewage sludge, etc. The possibility of using plastics from greenhouses, biomass from invasive algae, etc., composting facilities for the production of compost from olive mills and olive by-products have been explored.

The visit was an important chance to discuss possible synergies and future cooperation opportunities for further improvement and development of the circular bioeconomy in Andalusian agriculture!